Job 23

New International Reader's Version

² “Even today my problems are more than I can handle.
    In spite of my groans, God’s hand is heavy on me.
³ I wish I knew where I could find him!
    I wish I could go to the place where he lives!
⁴ I would state my case to him.
    I’d give him all my arguments.
⁵ I’d find out what his answers would be.
    I’d think about what he would say to me.
⁶ Would he strongly oppose me?
    No. He wouldn’t bring charges against me.
⁷ There honest people can prove to him they’re not guilty.
    There my Judge would tell me once and for all that I’m not guilty.

⁸ “But if I go to the east, God isn’t there.
    If I go to the west, I don’t find him.
⁹ When he’s working in the north, I don’t see him there.
    When he turns to the south, I don’t see him there either.
¹⁰ But he knows every step I take.
    When he has tested me,
    I’ll come out as pure as gold.
¹¹ My feet have closely followed his steps.
    I’ve stayed on his path without turning away.
¹² I haven’t disobeyed his commands.
    I’ve treasured his words more than my daily bread.

¹³ “But he’s the only God. Who can oppose him?
    He does anything he wants to do.
¹⁴ He carries out his plans against me.
    And he still has many other plans just like them.
¹⁵ That’s why I’m so terrified.
    When I think about all of this, I’m afraid of him.
¹⁶ God has made my heart weak.
    The Mighty One has filled me with terror.
¹⁷ But even the darkness of death won’t make me silent.
    When the darkness of the grave covers my face, I won’t be quiet.